Banjul, Gambia – April 10, 2025 — The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed his impending departure from office, marking what he described as his final public appearance as INEC Chairman.
Yakubu made this disclosure while addressing fellow electoral officials at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, Gambia. His remarks have now put to rest mounting speculation surrounding the end of his tenure, which is officially scheduled to conclude in November 2025.
“This marks my last participation in this gathering as the INEC Chairman. I deeply appreciate the cooperation I have received from my colleagues across the sub-region,” Yakubu stated, calling for stronger collaboration among West African election management bodies and emphasizing the need to protect democracy in the region, especially in countries currently under military regimes.
Yakubu’s statement comes against the backdrop of recent political rumblings in Nigeria, with speculation about a possible removal by President Bola Tinubu gaining traction following Yakubu’s absence during a high-profile visit to the INEC headquarters by opposition party leaders. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, had clarified that the Chairman was on official assignment abroad, with National Commissioner Sam Olumekun serving in acting capacity.
As Yakubu prepares to bow out, attention has now shifted to who succeeds him. Political discussions are reportedly heating up in Abuja, with debates centering around regional balance, credibility, and professionalism. While some advocate for the next INEC Chairman to emerge from a zone outside the Southwest—given that no Yoruba person has ever headed the Commission since 1960—others argue that competence, neutrality, and integrity should be the deciding factors.
Professor Yakubu, who made history as the first INEC Chairman to be appointed for two terms, has overseen two general elections and a series of off-cycle polls during his tenure.
